By the end of 2017 Egypt became the largest buyer of Russian food: from Russia, Cairo has imported goods worth $1,739 billion, which is almost 44% more than the year before. It is reported by RBC, citing data from the Russian export centre (REC).

According to the data, on the second place — China. Beijing has purchased food for $1,717 billion, 11% more than in 2016.

It is noted that Egypt and China are buying different products: Arab Republic primarily wheat imports (82% of deliveries in money terms), and China — fish, seafood, and vegetable oils. Only Egypt imported 11.2 million tonnes of Russian wheat in the previous agricultural year ending in July 2017.

According to the Executive Director of the Russian-Egyptian business Council Mona Khalil, Egypt is the world's largest buyer of wheat, because the high consumption of bread, the country cannot provide them with itself. Lacking fertile soil.

Own production of grain in Egypt on some crops not growing, and in some cases even reduced, the Director of export policy and analysis REC Michael Snow. According to the forecast of the USDA, wheat imports by Egypt may grow in the new year to 12 million tons.

Overall, Russia provides about half of all deliveries of wheat to Egypt. In addition, wheat is the main food product that Russia exports.

Photo: portalgiro.com